Exploring Motivational Gifts: Giving, Mercy, and Ruling

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:3

This verse uses the term “measure of faith” as the apportioned gift from God that enables other gifts of the Spirit to multiply in your life. Yet, the three gifts of giving, mercy, and ruling are still attainable based on life experiences that impact ones’ faith. For example, the Apostle Paul states, that “he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:8). In other words, your life experiences create opportunities for believers to give freely, lead carefully, and demonstrate mercy to the needed. We see all three gifts validated in Peter and John as noted in the events recorded in Acts 3:1-10.

This verse uses the term “measure of faith” as the apportioned gift from God that enables other gifts of the Spirit to multiply in your life. Yet, the three gifts of giving, mercy, and ruling are still attainable based on life experiences that impact ones’ faith. For example, the Apostle Paul states, that “he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:8). In other words, your life experiences create opportunities for believers to give freely, lead carefully, and demonstrate mercy to the needed. We see all three gifts validated in Peter and John as noted in the events recorded in Acts 3:1-10.

This passage revealed that Peter and John encountered a 40 year old man who was crippled from birth. He had never walked, never enjoyed the freedom of running through meadows, never freely moving independently.  His primary job was seeking a handout at the door of the church. Daily, this person was carried to the gate, Beautiful, in the Temple to work the gate or to beg for a handout. For 40 years this practice of hanging out at the Temple made no difference in his life because you will see him there every day. He was a beggar, like many today, who come to church wanting only for hangout or to receive a blessing instead of wanting to bless others with what God is doing in their lives.  This beggar was about to encounter two individuals who have had an experience with Jesus. When Peter saw the crippled 40 year old beggar at the gate, he told this man to look at them. Acts 3:4(NKJV) And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Now the beggar obviously was expected a big payout but he had no idea what was actually coming. His expectation was very low compared to the possibility of one who have had experience with Jesus. Notice how Peter quickly diminished his expectation of money by stating, “Silver and gold have I none.” Peter had no money to give instead he had something much better than money. “What I do have I give you; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6 NKJV)  

Peter used the terms “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” In other words, Peter acted on the authority of Jesus and the Holy Spirit performed the work of healing this lame man.

The beggar asked for what he wanted; he received what he needed. Peter and John exercised the gifts of mercy, giving, and ruling (leading). First, the gift of mercy, because they stopped and asked the man to look at us or give us your attention instead seeking alms from everyone who entered the gate of Beautiful. Then, Peter and John exercised the gift of giving, by giving the beggar what he needed instead of what he wanted. They gave the man Jesus, and through Jesus the beggar was healed. Remember, we as believers must speak the same hope in the lives of others. Like the beggar, instead of asking for a handout, these individuals will develop a testimony. Then, you will see the gift of ruling as guided by the Holy Spirit. Notice after the healing, Peter and John led the beggar into the Temple, and this beggar who was lame from birth leaped and praised God publicly with a demonstrative testimony. The Holy Spirit worked in the lame man’s life and then worked through him so that the truth was proclaimed to a large crowd of people, including the Jewish leaders, by Peter and John. The beggar’s transformation caused the converting of many souls to Christ. However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. (Acts 4:4 NKJV)

I encourage you as believers to exercise your gift of giving, mercy, and ruling (leading), and Christ will allow the increase through the Holy Spirit.